Islamic State Flashcards
When did the Islamic State (ISIS/ISIL/Daesh) emerge in the public eye?
In 2014, when it swiftly conquered territory in Iraq and carried out high-profile atrocities.
How did the Islamic State differ in its origins from al-Qaeda?
The Islamic State emerged from the anti-American struggle in Iraq post-2003.
How did Abu Musab al-Zarqawi gain notoriety?
Through exceptional brutality, including personally beheading hostages and distributing the videos online.
This electrified a small number of Muslims, inspiring them to join the fight in Iraq.
How did Al-Qaeda in Iraq (AQI) and bin Laden’s al-Qaeda differ in their treatment of Shia Muslims?
AQI under Zarqawi viewed Shia Muslims as the primary enemy, worse than Americans, while bin Laden prioritized fighting Americans in Iraq.
What was bin Laden’s approach to Iraqi civilians, and how did it differ from Zarqawi’s?
Bin Laden urged caution and respect toward civilians to win them over, while Zarqawi’s AQI believed in using terror and intimidation to control them.
How did AQI aim to gain Sunni Muslim support?
By provoking Shia retaliation and sectarian violence, AQI aimed to position itself as the Sunni community’s defender.
How did the US policy toward local communities change during the 2005–2006 surge?
The US began working with and defending local communities, providing protection against threats from al-Qaeda in Iraq and the Shia government.
How did the US presence change Sunni community behavior during the surge?
Communities began turning on jihadist groups, identifying outsiders, and helping US forces target al-Qaeda in Iraq.
What was the impact of US collaboration with Sunni communities on al-Qaeda in Iraq?
Al-Qaeda in Iraq lost 70-80% of its leadership, with US leaders declaring it near strategic defeat by the end of the decade.
Why did Zarqawi view the United States as an enemy?
He believed the U.S. was backing the Shia government in Iraq, making it an enemy of true (Sunni) Muslims.
His focus was primarily on Iraq and its sectarian and political issues rather than on attacking the U.S. or Europe.
How did the Syrian regime inadvertently help jihadist movements?
The Syrian regime, facing protests, released jihadists from prison to frame the opposition as radical, thus rallying support from minority groups and allowing jihadists to organize with relative impunity.
Why was the Islamic State able to revive itself?
The Islamic State revived due to changes in Iraq and Syria, including political shifts, alienation of Sunni communities, and the rise of unrest and civil war in Syria.
How did the conflict in Syria contribute to the Islamic State’s growth?
The Syrian civil war attracted foreign fighters, with over 30,000 joining jihadist groups in Iraq and Syria, providing energy and support to the Islamic State’s resurgence.
What similarities did Iraq and Syria share that supported the Islamic State’s narrative?
Both countries had minority governments (Shia-linked in Iraq, Alawite in Syria), creating a narrative of Sunni persecution that resonated with jihadist groups.
Why did Jabhat al-Nusra become important in the jihadist movement?
Syria became the central battlefield for jihad, attracting foreign fighters, money, and influence.
When did the Islamic State split from Jabhat al-Nusra(Al-Qaeda in Syria)
In late 2013 and early 2014, after tensions between the groups escalated. The Islamic State emerged as the stronger faction.
What event in 2014 led to U.S. intervention against ISIS?
ISIS’s rapid territorial expansion, including the conquest of Mosul and atrocities against the Yazidis.
How did ISIS expand beyond Iraq and Syria?
It established “provinces” in Libya, Egypt, Afghanistan, and other regions, with affiliated groups carrying out attacks.
What tactic did ISIS-affiliated groups use to gain notoriety?
They carried out atrocities, including beheadings and terrorist attacks, to spread fear and influence.
What group did the Islamic State target with atrocities, including mass killings and enslavement?
The Yazidis, thousands of whom were murdered or forced into slavery.
What significant declaration did the Islamic State make in 2014?
It declared a caliphate, claiming authority over all Muslims worldwide.
What action did the U.S. and other countries take in response to the Islamic State’s actions?
They launched airstrikes targeting Islamic State positions in Iraq.
How did the Islamic State respond to U.S. airstrikes?
It executed American and British hostages, releasing beheading videos to spread fear.
How many foreign fighters joined the Islamic State?
Over 40,000 from more than 100 countries, drawn by propaganda and the caliphate’s appeal.
What other jihadist groups aligned with the Islamic State?
Groups in Libya, Sinai, and Boko Haram in Nigeria pledged allegiance, expanding its influence/province
What is one of the key motivations behind the Islamic State’s actions?
With regards to Syria
Defending what it sees as innocent Muslims from the Assad regime’s atrocities.
How does the Islamic State use sectarianism in its messaging?
It portrays itself as defending Sunni Muslims against a “Shia crescent” that includes the Assad regime, Baghdad government, Iran, and Hezbollah.
Besides fighting Shia groups, what other group does the Islamic State target?
It purges Sunni Muslims it considers “false,” such as Sufis and those who work with enemy regimes.
What is the purpose of the Islamic State’s caliphate?
It serves as a base for expansion, governance, and achieving the group’s broader goals.
How does the Islamic State fund itself?
Primarily through taxation and expropriation of property, along with oil sales and foreign donations.
What are the three main methods the Islamic State uses to expand?
- Conventional military force
- Insurgency (guerrilla warfare)
- Terrorism
How does the Islamic State use terrorism strategically?
Attrition
To attack civilians, military, and police, aiming to break enemy morale and discourage recruitment.
What rewards did the Islamic State promise to recruits?
- Salaries
- Forced marriages for young unmarried men
- A prosperous life.
What was a key theme in the Islamic State’s recruitment?
The idea that they were defending Islam against its enemies.
What was the biggest attraction for many recruits?
The establishment of the caliphate and the idea of living under Islamic governance.
How did the Islamic State attract locals despite its brutality?
By providing services like electricity and enforcing law and order in war-torn areas.
What was a key method of recruitment among locals?
Coercion—many joined out of fear or to avoid suspicion.
What major attack signaled the Islamic State’s shift toward targeting the West?
The 2015 Paris attacks, which killed 130 people.
Why did the Islamic State begin attacking the West?
- Enmity – It viewed the US and Europe as hostile to its ideology.
- Revenge – Retaliation for US and allied bombing campaigns against it.
- Capacity – It had extensive networks and 6,000 European foreign fighters.
Why was social media advantageous for ISIS?
- Low-cost, high-volume propaganda production
- Ability to target content to different audiences
- Easy recruitment and radicalization
What is cyber coaching in the context of ISIS?
Direct interaction via social media to recruit, radicalize, and provide guidance on attacks.
When did the Islamic State’s Caliphate collapse?
In 2019, marking the end of its territorial control in Iraq and Syria.
Why do some people still support the Islamic State’s ideology?
Many still believe in IS’s sectarian warfare ideas and Islamic governance, and view the group as a source of order amidst poor governance, despite its brutal methods.
What is the role of “homegrown violent extremists” in IS operations?
Many violent extremists are inspired by IS propaganda but may have no direct contact with the group. They can act independently, influenced by IS’s ideas and messages, especially in regions like Europe.
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